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The Chronicles of Narnia (film series)

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For the British television series, see The Chronicles of Narnia (TV series).
The Chronicles of Narnia
Official film series logo
Directed byAndrew Adamson (1-2)
Michael Apted (3)
Screenplay byAnn Peacock (1)
Andrew Adamson (1-2)
Christopher Markus (1-3)
Stephen McFeely (1-3)
Michael Petroni (3)
Based onThe Chronicles of Narnia
by C. S. Lewis
Produced byMark Johnson (1-3)
Philip Steuer (1-3)
Andrew Adamson (2-3)
StarringGeorgie Henley
Skandar Keynes
William Moseley
Anna Popplewell
Ben Barnes
Will Poulter
Tilda Swinton
Liam Neeson
CinematographyDonald McAlpine (1)
Karl Walter Lindenlaub (2)
Dante Spinotti (3)
Edited bySim Evan-Jones (1-2)
Rick Shaine (3)
Music byHarry Gregson-Williams (1-2)
David Arnold (3)
Production
companies
Distributed by20th Century Fox (3)
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (1-2)
Release dates
1: 9 December 2005
2: 16 May 2008
3: 10 December 2010
Running time
406 minutes (1-3)
CountriesUnited Kingdom
United States
LanguageEnglish
BudgetTotal (3 films):
$560 million
Box officeTotal (3 films):
$1,580,364,900

The Chronicles of Narnia is a fantasy film series and media franchise based on The Chronicles of Narnia, a series of novels by C. S. Lewis. The series revolves around the adventures of children in the world of Narnia, guided by Aslan, a wise and powerful lion that can speak and is the true king of Narnia. The children heavily featured in the films are the Pevensie siblings, and a prominent antagonist is the White Witch (also known as Queen Jadis). The franchise also includes short films, digital series, and video games.

From the seven books, three were adapted—The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), Prince Caspian (2008), and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)—which collectively grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide. The first two films were directed by Andrew Adamson and the third film was directed by Michael Apted. Plans for a fourth film were abandoned when it was announced in 2018 that new adaptations would be made for Netflix.[1]

Development

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C. S. Lewis did not sell the film rights to the Narnia series during his lifetime, as he was skeptical that any cinematic adaptation could render the more fantastical elements and characters of the story realistically.[a][failed verification] Only after seeing a demo reel of CGI animals did Douglas Gresham, Lewis's stepson and eventual literary executor, give approval for a film adaptation.

Although the plan was originally to produce the films in the same order as the books were published, it was reported that The Magician's Nephew, which recounts the creation of Narnia, would be the fourth feature film in the series, instead of The Silver Chair. It was rumoured that The Magician's Nephew was chosen in an attempt to reboot the series, after The Voyage of the Dawn Treader grossed less than the two previous films.[2] In March 2011, Walden Media confirmed that they intended The Magician's Nephew to be next in the series, but said that it was not yet in development.[3]

In October 2011, Gresham stated that Walden Media's contract with the C. S. Lewis estate had expired and suggested that Walden Media's lapse in renegotiating their contract with the C. S. Lewis estate was due to conflicts between the companies about the direction of future films.[4]

On 1 October 2013, the C. S. Lewis Company announced a partnership with The Mark Gordon Company and announced that The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair was officially in pre-production.[5]

Films

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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

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Main article: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, based on the 1950 novel of the same title, is the first film in the series. Directed by Andrew Adamson, it was shot mainly in New Zealand, though locations were used in Poland, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom.

The story follows the four British Pevensie siblings, who are evacuated during the Blitz to the countryside, where they find a wardrobe that leads to the fantasy world of Narnia. There, they must ally with the lion Aslan against the forces of the White Witch, who has placed Narnia in an eternal winter.

The film was released theatrically on 9 December 2005 and on DVD on 4 April 2006 and grossed over $745 million worldwide.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

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Main article: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Prince Caspian, based on the 1951 novel of the same title, is the second film in the series and the last distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.

The story follows the same Pevensie children who were transported to Narnia in the previous film as they return to Narnia, where 1,300 years have passed and the land has been invaded by the Telmarines. The four Pevensie children aid Prince Caspian in his struggle for the throne against his corrupt uncle, King Miraz.

The film was released on 16 May 2008. It grossed $419 million worldwide.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

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Main article: The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, based on the 1952 novel of the same title, is the first film in the series not to be co-produced by Disney, who dropped out over a budget dispute with Walden Media. In January 2009, it was announced that Fox 2000 Pictures would replace Disney for future installments, but because of the acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Disney now owns the rights to all films. Directed by Michael Apted, the movie was filmed almost entirely in Australia.

The story follows the two younger Pevensie children as they return to Narnia with their cousin, Eustace Scrubb. They join Caspian, now king of Narnia, in his quest to rescue seven lost lords and save Narnia from a corrupting evil that resides on a dark island.[6]

The film was released on 10 December 2010 (in RealD 3D in select theatres) and grossed over $415 million worldwide.

Main cast

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Main article: List of The Chronicles of Narnia (film series) cast members

Children

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Other main characters

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  • Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan, the magnificent and majestically powerful lion who helps govern and maintain order in Narnia; a mystical world of his own creation.
  • Tilda Swinton as Jadis, the White Witch; the former queen of Charn and a witch who ruled Narnia during the events of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
  • Ben Barnes as Caspian X (also known as "Prince Caspian"), the Telmarine prince who becomes King of Narnia after overthrowing his evil uncle Miraz.
  • Eddie Izzard and Simon Pegg as the voice of Reepicheep in Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, respectively: the noble and courageous mouse who fights for Aslan and the freedom of Narnia.
  • James McAvoy as Mr. Tumnus in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
  • Ray Winstone as the voice of Mr. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
  • Dawn French as the voice of Mrs. Beaver in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
  • Peter Dinklage as Trumpkin in Prince Caspian.

Table of the recurring cast

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List indicators

This section includes characters who will appear or have appeared in more than two films in the series.

  • An empty, dark grey cell indicates the character was not in the film, or that the character's official presence has not yet been confirmed.
  •  C indicates a cameo role.
  •  O indicates an older version of the character.
  •  V indicates a voice-only role.
Role The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Prince Caspian The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Children

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Lucy Pevensie Georgie Henley
Rachael HenleyO 		Georgie Henley
Edmund Pevensie Skandar Keynes
Mark WellsO 		Skandar Keynes
Peter Pevensie William Moseley
Noah HuntleyO 		William Moseley William MoseleyC
Susan Pevensie Anna Popplewell
Sophie WinklemanO 		Anna Popplewell Anna PopplewellC

Other main characters

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Aslan Liam NeesonV
Jadis the White Witch Tilda Swinton Tilda SwintonC
Prince Caspian X Ben Barnes
Reepicheep Eddie IzzardV Simon PeggV

Crew

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Role Film
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Prince Caspian The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
2005 2008 2010
Director(s) Andrew Adamson Michael Apted
Producer(s) Mark Johnson & Phillip Steuer Mark Johnson, Andrew Adamson & Phillip Steuer
Writer(s) Ann Peacock, Andrew Adamson, Stephen McFeely & Christopher Markus Andrew Adamson, Stephen McFeely & Christopher Markus Michael Petroni, Stephen McFeely & Christopher Markus
Composer(s) Harry Gregson-Williams David Arnold
Cinematographer(s) Donald McAlpine Karl Walter Lindenlaub Dante Spinotti
Editor(s) Jim May & Sim Evan-Jones Sim Evan-Jones Rick Shaine
U.S. release date 9 December 2005 16 May 2008 10 December 2010
Distributor(s) Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures 20th Century Fox

Reception

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Box office performance

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The series grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide, but critical and commercial reception diminished with each film.

Film Release date Box office gross All-time ranking Budget Reference
North America Other territories Worldwide North America Worldwide
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe December 9, 2005 (2005-12-09) $291,710,957 $453,302,158 $745,013,115 78 86 $180 million [7]
Prince Caspian May 16, 2008 (2008-05-16) $141,621,490 $278,044,078 $419,665,568 363 236 $220 million [8]
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader December 10, 2010 (2010-12-10) $104,386,950 $311,299,267 $415,686,217 621 238 $150 million [9]
Total $537,719,397 $1,042,645,503 $1,580,364,900 $560 million [10][11]

Critical response

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Film Rotten Tomatoes Metacritic CinemaScore[12]
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 75% (217 reviews)[13] 75 (39 reviews)[14] A+
Prince Caspian 66% (194 reviews)[15] 62 (34 reviews)[16] A-
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader 50% (167 reviews)[17] 53 (33 reviews)[18] A-

Future

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The Silver Chair

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After Walden Media's contract of the series' film rights expired in 2011, The C. S. Lewis Company announced on 1 October 2013 that it had entered into an agreement with The Mark Gordon Company to produce an adaptation of the 1953 novel The Silver Chair. Mark Gordon and Douglas Gresham, along with Vincent Sieber, the Los Angeles based director of The C. S. Lewis Company, would serve as producers and work with The Mark Gordon Company on developing the script.[5] On 5 December 2013, it was announced that David Magee would write the screenplay.[19] In July 2014, the official Narnia website allowed the opportunity for fans to suggest names for the Lady of the Green Kirtle, the main antagonist. The winning name was to be selected by Mark Gordon and David Magee for use in the final script of The Silver Chair.[20]

The film's producers have called the film a reboot in reference to the fact that the film has a new creative team not associated with those who worked on the previous three films.[21][22] On 9 August 2016, it was announced that Sony's TriStar Pictures and Entertainment One was set to finance and distribute the fourth film with The Mark Gordon Company (which eOne owns) and The C. S. Lewis Company.[23] In April 2017, it was announced that Joe Johnston had been hired to direct The Silver Chair.[24] During an interview with Red Carpet News TV, producer Mark Gordon revealed scarce details about the new technologies and setting that would be used for the upcoming film.[25]

Possible Netflix reboot

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Further information: Adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia § Netflix

On 3 October 2018, it was announced that Netflix and the C. S. Lewis Company had made a multi-year agreement to develop a new series of film and TV adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia.[26] With this announcement, all previously announced plans for The Silver Chair were superseded.[27][28][29][30]

See also

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References

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Footnotes

  1. ^ His general dislike of cinema is seen in Collected Letters, Vol. 2, a letter to his brother Warren on March 3, 1940, p. 361; see also All My Road Before Me, June 1, 1926, p. 405

Citations

  1. ^ "Netflix to develop series and films based on C.S. Lewis' beloved THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA". Netflix Media Center. Retrieved 2019-05-05.
  2. ^ Moring, Mark (April 7, 2011). "The Lion, the Witch, and the Box Office". Christianity Today. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  3. ^ "'Narnia': Walden, Fox in discussions on 'The Magician's Nephew'". Inside movies. EW. 23 Oct 2011.
  4. ^ "Gresham Shares Plans for Next Narnia Film". Narnia Web. May 2012.
  5. ^ a b "Fourth "Chronicles of Narnia" Movie in Works from Mark Gordon Co". Deadline. Oct 2013.
  6. ^ Alexonx (10 November 2010). "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader-Spectacular trailer". filmissimo.it. Archived from the original on 2012-03-14. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
  7. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  8. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  9. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2012-08-18.
  10. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia Movies at the Box Office". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  11. ^ "'Narnia' Vs. 'Narnia'". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  12. ^ "CinemaScore". CinemaScore. Archived from the original on April 13, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  13. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  14. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  15. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  16. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  17. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  18. ^ "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  19. ^ "'Narnia' Sequel Taps David Magee to Write Script". The Wrap. 5 July 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  20. ^ "Enter The Silver Chair Movie Contest!". Narnia.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-18. Retrieved 2014-07-20.
  21. ^ Foutch, Haleigh (12 January 2016). "Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair to Reboot the Franchise". Collider. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  22. ^ Trendacosta, Katharine (12 January 2016). "With This Chronicles of Narnia News, the Word 'Reboot' Is Officially Gibberish". io9. Gawker Media. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  23. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (9 August 2016). "TriStar, Mark Gordon & eOne Revive 'The Chronicles Of Narnia' With 'The Silver Chair'". Deadline. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  24. ^ Kroll, Justin (26 April 2017). "'Captain America' Director Joe Johnston Boards 'Narnia' Revival 'The Silver Chair'". Variety. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  25. ^ Casiple, Necta (11 October 2017). "'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair' update: Mark Gordon drops teasers about setting and visual effects". Christian Today. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  26. ^ Otterson, Joe (October 3, 2018). "'Chronicles of Narnia' Series, Films in the Works at Netflix". Variety. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  27. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (3 October 2018). "Netflix to Develop 'The Chronicles of Narnia' TV Series & Films". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  28. ^ Hibberd, James (3 October 2018). "The Chronicles of Narnia being made into new movies by Netflix". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  29. ^ Schwartz, Terri (June 12, 2019). "Netflix's Chronicles of Narnia Reboot Hires Its 'Creative Architect'". IGN. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  30. ^ Labonte, Rachel (11 May 2020). "Narnia Producer Hopes Reboot is Episodic But Hasn't Heard From Netflix". Screen Rant. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
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